Nodes-connected silicon-carbon nanofibrous hybrids anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Intensive attentions have been allured for silicon as an effective anode material ascribed to its high specific capacity and adequate reserves. However, the volumetric shrinkage and dilatation of Si during the charging-discharging process severely hinder the strides towards industrial utilization. In this paper, a novel hybrid anode material with a nodes-connected silicon-carbon nanofibrous structure (Si@void/CNF) has been designed and fabricated via electrospinning method. The unique formation not only supplies a conductive reticulation structure for Si nanoparticles, but also reconciles relevant volume variation. By adjusting the mass ratio of Si to PMMA as 1:1, an optimal structure can be obtained, resulting in excellent electrochemical performances. The Si@void/CNF demonstrates a specific capacity of 913.6 mAh g−1 at the first discharge cycle, and possesses 72.9% retention after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. The electrospun structure of nodes-connected Si@void/CNF sheds a light on a facile and promising method to fabricate a primary candidate for the Si-based anode materials.